The 43-year-old, whose contract at Sheffield United had recently expired, replaces John Vaughan, who recently left the Galpharm Stadium to take up a similar role with Birmingham under Lee Clark.

Town manager Simon Grayson told the club's official website: "I know Paul from being on coaching courses with him, and having spoken to people who he's worked with he comes highly recommended.

"He's enthusiastic, hard-working and wants to make an impression here and do well - just like every other member of staff here.

"We also played together at Aston Villa for a short time and it does help to know him personally."

Crichton, who played for Peterborough, Doncaster, Grimsby, West Brom, Burnley and Norwich during a 24-year playing career, has coached at Gillingham, Cambridge United, Brighton and Norwich prior to his previous post at Bramall Lane.

ood grief. Someone guessed that the form English player at the moment might be in his national side with some other players? And that's espionage? Now if they discovered that Emile Heskey was going to be in the starting line up.... at right back.... THAT would be espionage. Give it a rest Roy.